Summer isn't far away and with that brings thoughts of time together at camps or conferences, gathering with other UUs. While summer camp may be more associated with youth and children, many of our camps, conferences and institutes also plan for adults to join in the fun.

In the Central East Region, you can join the multigenerational Summer Institute (CERSI), this year combined with UUMAC (UU Mid Atlantic Community). This annual gathering has been occurring for over 40 years. This year the gathering is July 7-13 in western Pennsylvania at PennWest University, California, PA.

The CERSI theme Speaker is Rev. Julian Soto, a UU minister and activist, presenting “Unlikely Superheroes: Skills for Practicing Faith and Ethics in Tough Times.” Rev. Soto brings a remarkably loving presence and a depth of spiritual leadership. Prior to being a minister, they were also a teacher and a lawyer. Each of these has been a way for them to engage with people, with transformation, and with the goal of making the world a better place.

Learn more at the CERSI webpage. Note that the deadline for scholarships from the CERSI scholarship fund is May 31, 2023 and rates go up on June 1.

Unirondack is a radically inclusive Camp and Conference Center located on Niiohehsà:ne (Beaver Lake) in the forever wild forests of the Western Adirondack Mountains of New York on Haudenosaunee Land. It was founded in 1951 by Universalists. This is a more traditional camp, with weekly camps scheduled from spring through fall for all ages. The full schedule includes youth and child week long camps starting in June and a family camp.

New this year, Unidrondack is offering adult off site trip camps. Opportunities range from introductions to paddling and backpacking, to canoe leadership and wilderness art programs. Dates offered run through the months of May and June. Check out the schedule and offerings on their website.

The Long Island cluster hosts an annual camp, Sophia Fahs Camp, which happens in August. The goal of this camp is to create an intergenerational Unitarian Universalist community that provides enjoyable, practical, and spiritual experiences in a safe, beautiful, and natural environment that will inspire children, youth, and adults to explore their identities: personal, communal, and Unitarian Universalist. Details are still being finalized for this year as of now, check the website for updates.

Murray Grove, in New Jersey, is not offering camps this summer, but hope to return to their Camping in the Grove series next year.

There are additional camps outside of the region, including Ferry Beach in Maine, Star Island in New Hampshire and The Mountain in North Carolina, just to name a few.

We hope this guide helps you find your community this summer where you can connect, relax and enjoy.